Q: Car Guy, should I buy or lease my new vehicle?

Buying is the nice plan for those who are ready for commitment. It can save you big bucks if you like to keep your vehicle for a long time, do a lot of highway driving, or are interested in something offering serious financial incentives (e.g. zero percent financing or multiple thousand dollar cashback discounts).

Leasing is better for people who (a) hate to hear the word “depreciation”—Economics 101 recommends buying assets that increase in value and renting ones that don’t, (b) need low monthly payments, and (c) don’t mind perpetual car payments. But wannabe leasers should be aware that there are extra fees not included in those low monthly payments that could add up to thousands of dollars, due all at once at lease end. Ask your dealer about these upfront.

Know thyself, as Socrates advised, and you will know which plan is right for you.

Car Guy, how do I find a cheap and reliable auto technician?

A hidden gold mine of info can be found on the websites of owners’ clubs for your vehicle. These sites always have message areas where questions can be posted, and invariably club members will jump to recommend a favourite (and often reasonably priced) technician. Local CAA organizations also list approved shops in your area online. Or try what generations of drivers have done: word of mouth.

THE BEST NEW VEHICLES OF ’04
Car Guy makes his picks

BEST ECONOMY CAR
The Mazda3 is a knockout. Hot looks, fine handling, smooth powerful engine, and enough toys inside to impress your Mercedes-driving uncle. Starts at $16K.

BEST FAMILY VEHICLE
The Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda6 and Mitsubishi Galant are very close in terms of refinement, spaciousness and pricing, but the Mazda6 stands out because it gets high style marks and knows how to move. Do looks and handling matter in a four-door, sub-$30K family hauler? They do now.

BEST SPORTS COUPE/SEDAN UNDER $35K
The Mazda3 Sport is a cheap (starts at $20K) yet fun date, this time in a swanky hatchback body. Those who are looking for a little more luxury will be happy with the Acura TSX (starts at just under $35K), another fine-handling front-wheel driver.

BEST MINIVAN
Toyota’s Sienna is the class of this field: It’s a high-quality vehicle that’s smooth and quiet at any speed. Starts at around $30K, but can peak up over $50K depending on the number of bells and whistles you get, such as all-wheel drive, moonroof, and leather seats.

BEST SUV
Subaru’s Forester 2.5 XT is the smallest and nimblest of this motley crew, plus it’s one of the least expensive of the newbies at around $36K. Also look out for the ’05 Chevrolet Equinox, which should make a lot of noise with its adjustable second-row seat and sharp looks.